This position is responsible for planning, project leadership and technical support in laboratory operation at the IMB/PIH supported labs in Kirehe, Rwinkwavu and Butaro hospital. Also work with responsible at the national and health facility level in conducting lab accreditation and necessary upgrade according to the level of services provided at the health facility and works in close collaboration with PIH’s Director of Laboratory services – Boston for the implementation of laboratory standards.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Evaluate laboratory quality and capacity to support disease diagnosis and surveillance for health threats within the PIH/IMB supported sites using standard tools such and WHO’s quality assurance and lab accreditation tools. Develop strategies to strengthen capacities and capabilities based on assessment findings.Communicate with laboratory line managers on a regular basis and travel to sites quarterly for review meetings and staff training.Working with the Boston based Director of Laboratory, and local PIH leadership especially the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Chronic Care and health facility leadership teams to develop and monitor work plans, budget as well as project monitoring and evaluation tools.Working with National Reference Laboratory to plan, oversee and coordinate activities in areas of laboratory diagnostics, including the establishment and maintenance of a quality assurance system in target laboratories.Work with the MoH and laboratory staff at the health facility level to support quality assurance (QA) oversight.Work closely with lab line managers and Quality Improvement (QI) officer on the quality management systems implementation, and the accreditation processes of laboratories.Assist with strategic planning for delivery of quality laboratory services as needed.In collaboration with local and international partners and MOH, develop/adapt standards to enhance capacities of national and referral hospital laboratories and to support disease surveillance.Ensures maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment. Manages quality assurance procedures.Support the design and implementation of written operating procedures and protocols that are in compliance with OSHA standards for HIV, AIDS, TB, Hepatitis B and Blood borne Pathogen Exposure.Ensures adequate safety and compliance with standard operating procedures.Researches new tests, new procedures, and new technology in the Medical Technology field. Initiates discussion with medical and administrative staff about new methodologies, tests, and procedures as appropriate.Requests new equipment as needed and develops new laboratory procedures.Measures and monitors key performance areas of laboratory.

Recommends ways to promote continuous quality improvement, customer service, and employee satisfaction.Performs other duties as assigned.Works with lab staff and supply chain teams to coordinate preparation of orders for lab supplies and keep accurate stock inventory updatedCoordinate training and mentorship for laboratory staff based on assessment of needsSupport with the expansion of activities to introduce microbiology services in some of the labs in coordination with Boston’s lab teamEducation: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in microbiology, medical technology, or health sciences. Master’s degree in health administration preferred.

Experience: Minimum five years of experience in progressively responsible positions in laboratory, including two years supervisory experience.

Performance Requirements:

Knowledge:

Knowledge of principles and techniques of clinical laboratory testing procedures/practices and of microbiology, including medical mycology; mycobacteriology; enteric, sexually transmitted and environmental bacteriology, parasitology and virology.Knowledge of medical terminology, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, and environmental health issues.Knowledge of laboratory regulations, including quality control of media and reagents, laboratory safety, laboratory documentation requirements, sterilization requirements, and laboratory equipment.Knowledge of planning, budgeting, quality control, customer service, and employee supervision, development and training.Knowledge of safety policies, procedures and practices as they relate to laboratory operations.

Skills:

Skill in performing laboratory tests.Skill in project planning, laboratory operations, and budgetary control.Skill in using computers for database management, testing, and record-keeping functions.Skill in analyzing data and presenting ideas and information both orally and in writing.

Abilities:

Ability to communicate appropriately, both orally and written.Ability to collaborate effectively with health care team.Ability to recognize and resolve hazardous conditions. Able to deal calmly with emergency situations.Ability to perform mathematical calculations.Ability to demonstrate full range of motion, manual dexterity, and eye–hand coordination in use of equipment and instruments.Ability to competently use Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and appropriate practice management software.Equipment Operated: Standard laboratory equipment including various testing instruments.

Work Environment: Combination of laboratory and office settings. Exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, toxic substances, and other conditions common in clinical laboratory environment.